Assume you have been hired into the marketing department of a major consumer products manufacturer such as Nike. You are having lunch with some new colleagues in other departments—finance, manufacturing, and logistics.

1.Assume you have been hired into the marketing department of a major consumer products manufacturer such as Nike. You are having lunch with some new colleagues in other departments—finance, manufacturing, and logistics. They are arguing that the company could save millions of dollars if it just got rid of the marketing department. Justify yourself after making an argument that would persuade them otherwise. 

2.There are four macro strategies to create and deliver value to customers and that can help a firm to develop a sustainable competitive advantage. Think of a company from the local market who you are very loyal to in many categories like (food, electronics, personal care etc.).  Is it the product, location, operation, or customer excellence that you are loyal to that firm? Critically examine.